Iris King passed away on June 14, 2024, exactly one hundred years from the day of her birth in 1924. A 75-year resident of Bainbridge Island, her active, adventurous, and competitive spirit will be missed, but not forgotten.
Iris was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Edgar M. King in 2018; her father and mother, Lawrence and Millie Bowden of Marysville, WA; and brother Lee Bowden of Spokane, WA. She was born in Bellingham, WA.
Iris began her teaching career in 1945 in Bellingham and graduated from Western Washington University in 1948 with a degree in Education. She taught physical education and health in the Bainbridge Island school system. A lifelong educator and outdoor sports enthusiast, her interest in games and sports was evident in her late teens when she was a counselor at Four Winds camp on Orcas Island, WA, during summers of her high school and college years.
Iris and her husband Ed were married in 1948 and moved to Bainbridge Island in 1949, two years before the State ferry system service started and prior to the construction of the Agate Pass bridge. Intending to stay “a couple of years,” they found a welcoming community of friends that lasted seven decades. Iris was a member of the Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. She was also a founding and active member of the local chapter of PEO.
Iris was active in a variety of sports and was known for her daily walks until her mid-90s. She was an avid golfer, never missing an opportunity to gather a foursome of friends for competition and camaraderie. She enjoyed the sun and warmth of Arizona where she and Ed spent winters after retirement beginning in the late 1970s. Iris was also a well-known fan of “her” teams – the Mariners, Seahawks, and UW Huskies.
She enjoyed international travel and exploring unfamiliar places. Iris taught English in China, frequently traveled and spent time in Mexico, ventured though the Panama Canal, and visited Australia and several Western European countries. She loved that her grandchildren and their families are world travelers.
Iris is survived by her three children, Carol King (Barb Carvalho) of Poulsbo, WA; Peter King (Lynn) of Leesburg, VA; and Molly Montoya of Seattle, WA; six grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly and was immensely proud.
A private family service will be held at Kane Cemetery on Bainbridge Island.
